The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1887-04-22
"Really, meinheer!" said Bessie.

| UcuIu.
"Really, meinheer!" said Bessie.
"Why do you call me 'meinheerr" hs
asked, turning 80 Aercely on her that she
started back STEP N tell you am not q
Boer. am an Englishman. My mother wa,
English; and besides, thanks to Lord Carnar.
Won, we are all English now.n
" don't see why you should mind being
thought Boer," she said, coolly; "there are
some very good people among the Beers and,
besides, you used to be great patriot"
"Used to be-yes; and SO the trees used to
bend to the north when the wind blew that
way, but now they bend to the south, for the
wind has turned. BY and by IL may set IN
the north again-that is another matter
then we shall see."
Bessie made no answer, beyond pursuing up
her pretty mouth and slowly picking q leaf
from the vine that trailed overhead.
The big Dutchman took off his hat and
stroked his beard perplexedly. Evidently he
was meditating something that he was afraid
to say. Twice he fixed his cold ewes on
Bcssie's fair face, and twice looked down
again. The second time she took alarm.
SExcuse me one minute" she said, and
made as though to enter the house.
"Wacht cen beeche" wait a Bit, he ejacu-
lated, breaking into Dutch in his agitation,
and even catching hold Of her white dress
with his big hand.
She drew the dress from him with quick
twist of her 1.-THE form, and turned and faced
him.
II beg your pardon" she said, in a tone
that could not he called encouraging; ayou
were going to say something"
"Yes-ah, that isl was going to say
and he paused.
Bessie stood with polite look of expecta-
ton on her face, and waited.
II was going to say-that, in short, that
want to marry you'll"
"Ohw said Bessie, with start
"Listen," he went on, hoarscly, his words
gathering force as he proceeded, as is the way
even with uncuSured people when they speak
from the heart "Listen! love you, Bessie;
have loved you for three years. Every
time have seen you have loved you more.
Don't say me nay-you don't know how
love you. dream Of you every night; some-
times dream that hear your dress r,lstling,
and then you come and kiss me, and it is like
being in heaven"
Here Bessie made gesture of disgust.
"There, have offended you, but don't be |
angry with me. I am very rich, Bessie;
there is the place here, and then have four
farms in Lydenburg and 5000 nlorgen up in
and 900 head Of cattle, besides
sheep and horses and money in the bank.
You shall have everything your own way"
be went on, seeing that the inventory of his
goods did not appear to impress her-"every-
thing-the house shall be English fashion; I |
will build new sit-kame Sitting room, and
t shall be furnished from Natal. There, I
owe you, I say. You won't say no, will
7oul" and he caught her by the hand.
II am very much obliged to you, Mr. Null
err" answered Bessie, snatching away her
land; "but-in short, cannot marry you.
No, it is no use, cannot, indeed. There,
please say no more, here comes my uncle.
Forget all about it, Mr.. Muller"
Her sutton looked up; there was old Silas
croft coming. sure enough, but he was some
way off and walking slowly
"Do you mean it," he said beneath his
reath
Eyes, yes, of course mean it. Why do
ou force me to repeat it?"
ut is that id rooibaatje," he broke out
You used not to be like this BEFORE Curse
i'm, the white livered Englishman! 1 will
70 even with him yet; and tell you what it
), Bessie; you shall marry me whether you